Hossam Ghaly

2006 - 2007

Egyptian international Hossam Ghaly joined us on a four and a half year deal from Feyenoord in January 2006.

The combative midfielder joins having spent two and a half seasons with the Dutch side, where he made 49 appearances after making the switch from his first club Al-Ahly.

Commenting on the signing, Sporting Director Damien Comolli said: "I have watched Hossam since he was 17 years old. He is a versatile, very physical and technically gifted midfielder who will offer us a number of playing options.

"He is a terrific addition to the squad."

Hossam featured a number of times for Clive Allen's title-winning reserve side but did not make his first team breakthrough.

Coach Chris Hughton, for one, believes the midfielder's time will come: "Hossam came at a time when in midfield the players had played a big part already in the season. When you think of people like Carrick and Jenas who haven't missed many games all season, he has suffered a bit because of that.

"Hossam has also had to adapt to a different style of play and it is a different style of game with a real competitive edge and directness at times. He has had to adapt to that and I think his time will come."